Just about everyone winds up in at least one car accident when driving throughout adulthood. In fact, vehicular accidents account for most of the personal injury cases in the United States, according to AllLaw, an online law resource. If you experience an injury during an accident, here are some next steps a car accident attorney would suggest.
Call 911
You need to report the accident by calling 911 and requesting emergency services. If you or someone else is injured, a police officer will respond and compile an accident report. In addition to police, a serious injury should prompt an ambulance response for a trip to the emergency room.
Get Medical Help
If you are seriously injured, getting medical help is your first priority. Even if you feel relatively well, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor can diagnose any injuries and will help to show the accident caused them. If you’re rushed to a hospital, a police officer likely will visit you while you are being treated in the emergency room.
Exchange Information
Whenever possible, you should exchange your contact and insurance information with any other motorists involved in the accident. You should also see if there are any witnesses and should exchange contact information with them. A witness might help to affirm who caused the accident if the case is ever taken to court.
File a Claim
File an insurance claim as soon as possible after an accident occurs. The sooner you initiate the claims process, the faster it will conclude with you receiving a settlement amount. If you’re hospitalized, wait until you’re released before filing your claim. Filing a claim will help to show the accident caused your injuries.
Retain an Attorney
Retaining an experienced car accident attorney can help you to file strongly-supported insurance claims and hold liable parties accountable. Your attorney also can stop insurers and opposing attorneys from contacting you personally and can block any collection activities that might be related to the accident until the matter is settled. You’ll be able to recover in peace without having to answer endless calls and emails.
Once you’ve gotten the care you need after an accident, make sure you start looking for an attorney. We may just be the law office you’re searching for. You can call Fitzsimmons, Nunn & Plukas, LLP today to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced car accident attorney.